Static Media
“The Big Bang Theory,” spanning 12 seasons, has managed to make celebrities out of its main cast. However, playing a popular character for an extended period can lead fans to associate the actor with that character, posing a challenge for those who want to step out of that image. Kunal Nayyar, known for his role as the lovable Raj Koothrappali in “The Big Bang Theory,” took this challenge head-on. After the series concluded in 2019, Nayyar embarked on a vastly different path by taking on a role in the Netflix series “Criminal.” Nayyar’s character, Sandeep Singh, is a convicted murderer, a stark contrast to his previous role. The episode “Sandeep” revolves around a twisted negotiation as Sandeep holds crucial information about two disappearances.
Choosing such an intense role right after his stint as Raj was a strategic move by Nayyar. In a 2020 interview with Metro, he explained that his decision was motivated by the desire to showcase his versatility and to seize the opportunity that came his way. He stated:
“There was definitely [a deliberate decision]. It was not like, ‘Oh I’m only going to do this kind of work,’ but it came at the right time. It was definitely what I wanted to do. Also physically, I’m so recognizable from my voice, I’m so recognizable from my face … it was important to do something that completely breaks the barrier.”
Nayyar’s Objective: Showcasing His Versatility
Netflix
While most know him as Raj Koothrappali, Kunal Nayyar is a versatile actor with a diverse range of acting experience, from Shakespeare to dramatic roles and voice acting. Nayyar was drawn to “Criminal” not just to showcase his range but also because he was genuinely intrigued by the show. Luckily, the casting director was already familiar with his capabilities:
“The part was already written, and I’m close to this casting director — I’ve worked with her before and she knows my work. She and I had done a play in London with Jesse Eisenberg, ‘All the Spoils’, which was a dramatic play, so she knew that I had the ability. People on television have only known me as Raj from ‘Big Bang’, But obviously, this person has known me and seen me act in a variety of myriad of other things.”
Nayyar was not the only one to use “Criminal” as a platform to showcase his acting prowess. “Game of Thrones” star Kit Harington also joined the cast for its second season after the HBO series concluded in 2019. With a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a commendable audience rating, “Criminal” proved to be a successful venture for Nayyar, allowing him to follow up “The Big Bang Theory” with a striking and powerful role.
FAQs
Q: What show did Kunal Nayyar join after “The Big Bang Theory”?
A: Kunal Nayyar joined the Netflix series “Criminal” after “The Big Bang Theory.”
Q: What character did Kunal Nayyar play in “Criminal”?
A: In “Criminal,” Kunal Nayyar played the character of Sandeep Singh, a convicted murderer.
Q: Why did Kunal Nayyar choose to play such a different role after “The Big Bang Theory”?
A: Kunal Nayyar chose to play a different role to showcase his versatility and to break away from the image of Raj Koothrappali, his character in “The Big Bang Theory.”
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
